Obituary: Rev. William Sangiovanni, 77

Notre Dame High School has announced that Father Bill's wake will be held on Friday, February 8th in the gym at Notre Dame HS in Fairfield from 3:00-7:00 pm.

Vigil Mass will be at 7:00 pm.

The funeral is scheduled for Saturday, February 9th at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Fairfield at 11:00 am.

Click to read Fr. Bill's complete obituary courtesy of Parente - Lauro Funeral Home

Notre Dame has also set up a memorial scholarship fund at Fr. Bill's request.

As more individuals learn about Fr. Bill's passing, members of our community are asking how they can participate in his tribute. At Father's request, Notre Dame is proud to announce the creation of the Fr. Bill Sangiovanni Memorial Scholarship Fund. Fr. Bill wanted this need-based scholarship to be an important component of his Notre Dame legacy. The scholarship allows Father to continue to support and be a part of his beloved Lancer family. Please consider contributing.
http://igfn.us/vf/frbill

The diocese of Bridgeport posted this on Feb. 5.

Original post

Notre Dame High School in Fairfield announced on Monday on its Facebook page that their community had lost a beloved former principal.

It is with heavy hearts that we make this post. The Notre Dame community is mourning the loss of Rev. William 'Fr. Bill' Sangiovanni, who passed away this morning. Once arrangements have been made, they will be posted here.

The announcement is followed by over 300 messages from students and parents.

In March of 2017, Fr. Bill was honored at the Notre Dame High School 60th Anniversary Gala Celebration. This biography was posted by the Diocese of Bridgeport about the Anniversary Gala:

One of the highlights of Notre Dame’s anniversary gala was the recognition of Father William Sangiovanni, the school’s president. This month, on March 19, Father Bill is celebrating the 40th anniversary of his ordination. In his 37 years with Notre Dame, he has had an enormous impact on the school. One of his famous nicknames comes from the annual GarlicFest popular at Notre Dame for many years—“Father Garlic.”

Born in Brooklyn, Father Sangiovanni first came to this diocese when he enrolled in Fairfield University, where he graduated with a degree in history. He would later earn a master’s from Fairfield U in education and arts.

Prior to his ordination, he was extensively involved in government on the state and federal levels. He served as special assistant to the Minority Leader of the Connecticut General Assembly, and as assistant to U.S. Congressman Steward McKinney from 1969-75.

He completed his theological studies at the Seminary of Our Lady of Angels at Niagara University, N.Y., and was ordained in St. Patrick Church in Bridgeport on March 19, 1977. After serving first as parochial vicar at St. Patrick’s, he was named to the faculty of Notre Dame in 1980 and became the school’s spiritual director the following year.

In 1991, while teaching at Notre Dame, he was appointed to the State of Connecticut’s Ethics Commission, and later became vice chair. Father Sangiovanni also served as a part-time chaplain at the Bridgeport Correctional Center for 11 years.

Prior to being named principal of Notre Dame by Bishop Edward M. Egan in 1994, he was extensively involved in youth activities and programs in the Bridgeport area. In making the announcement, Bishop Egan said, “I join the faculty and staff of Notre Dame in rejoicing at the assignment of one of our most distinguished priests to this important work.”

Father Sangiovanni was named president of Notre Dame in 2010 by Bishop William E. Lori.

Father Bill was ordained relatively late in his life; his first assignment in the Bridgeport diocese was covered by the New York Times. He celebrated a well-attended Sunday Mass at Sacred Heart University for many years until his declining health prevented him from doing so.

Rest in peace, Padre. You will be greatly missed.

All photos courtesy of Notre Dame High School's Facebook page